Yoon: "Actively Diplomacy to Avoid Misunderstandings in China Supply Chain... Korea and Japan Must Build Trust Aligning Joint Interests"

President Yoon Receives 2.5-Hour Briefing on Foreign Ministry Affairs

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Ki-min Lee] On the 21st, President Yoon Suk-yeol emphasized economic diplomacy during the Ministry of Foreign Affairs briefing, ordering "active (China) diplomacy to prevent misunderstandings" regarding the U.S.-led supply chain restructuring efforts such as the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF). He also showed a strong will to improve Korea-Japan relations and urged the establishment of a trust-based relationship that aligns with mutual interests.

Kang In-sun, spokesperson for the Presidential Office, briefed that President Yoon made these remarks during a session in the afternoon at the Yongsan Presidential Office building, where he received a work report from Foreign Minister Park Jin for about two and a half hours.

First, after Minister Park’s report, President Yoon said, "Maximize national interests by promoting diplomacy with the major four countries (U.S., China, Japan, Russia) centered on the firm Korea-U.S. alliance and expanding the horizon to global diplomacy including Asia, the Middle East, Europe, Africa, and Latin America." He emphasized, "Economic diplomacy is important. If it benefits our economy, the President will go anywhere."

The economic diplomacy emphasized by President Yoon refers to diplomacy focused on increasing overseas orders in sectors where domestic companies have technological and price competitiveness, such as nuclear power, defense industry, and infrastructure projects.

Minister Park later attended the Presidential Office briefing and explained, "Above all, economic security is important, so there was a detailed discussion about the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ current strategy and realistic options for advancing into nuclear power, defense industry, and infrastructure projects, and what can be done and gained in relations with partner countries."

Regarding Korea-China relations, which mark their 30th anniversary this year, President Yoon said, "With changes in supply chains, Korea is joining the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) and there is talk of the 'Fab4' (Chip 4 alliance), but this is not to exclude any particular country; rather, it is an issue Korea must consider in the process of expanding national interests," Minister Park conveyed. President Yoon’s request was in the spirit of preventing misunderstandings and harm to national interests as China has consistently raised issues related to supply chains.

Regarding the Chip 4 alliance, Minister Park added, "It is a proposal to create a framework for various cooperation related to semiconductors," elaborating, "It includes financial support, technological cooperation, and consultations on supply chains," and stated that a conclusion suitable to Korea’s national interests will be reached.

Minister Park also reported on the results of the Korea-Japan foreign ministers’ bilateral official talks held in Tokyo for the first time in four years and seven months, as well as the details of his visit to Japan. He explained, "As the President said today, he has a strong will to improve Korea-Japan relations. Korea and Japan must build a trust relationship that aligns with mutual interests going forward," and added, "(The Ministry of Foreign Affairs) is making efforts to seek reasonable solutions with that perspective."

Regarding specific reasonable solutions, Minister Park said, "The issue of compensation for forced labor is a major pending issue between Korea and Japan. Considering Japan’s concerns about cash payments and the aging of victims, it is necessary to seek a solution promptly." He added, "During this visit to Japan, we explained our position to the Japanese side and also conveyed the message that it is important for Japan to respond sincerely."

When asked by reporters whether there was a report on the comfort women issue, he said, "The 2015 comfort women agreement is an official agreement between the two governments and must be respected. The most important spirit of the agreement is to restore the dignity and honor of the victims and heal their emotional wounds, so we will strive to resolve the issue accordingly."

President Yoon requested that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and all overseas missions concentrate their diplomatic capabilities and make every effort to attract the 2030 Busan World Expo. Minister Park stated that the diplomatic authorities plan to carry out full-scale diplomacy for the Expo bid and will conduct activities to promote the bid at all important future bilateral and multilateral meetings.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.